Apply for a student, special, or dependant pass
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 3 June 2026 · Last updated 3 June 2026
Find out how to apply for temporary passes in Kenya, including a Student Pass for international education, a Special Pass for short-term work assignments, or a Dependant's Pass for family members. This page covers fees, processing times, and eligibility rules on eCitizen.
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Quick facts
- Processing time
- 7 to 14 working days for Student/Dependant passes; 3 to 7 working days for a short-term Special Pass.
- Base cost
- From Ksh 5,050 to Ksh 15,050 processing fees (plus variable annual issuance surcharges)
- How to apply
- Online (Digital submission)
Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.
Before you start
- Special Pass: Total short-term work duration cannot exceed a non-renewable maximum of 3 months per application.
- Student Pass: The host educational institution must be fully registered and approved by the Ministry of Education and Immigration.
- Dependant’s Pass: The primary sponsor must hold a valid, active Kenyan work permit, permanent residency, or be a documented citizen.
Documents you need
- Scanned color copy of the applicant’s valid Passport bio-data page and current entry stamp.
- A recent passport-sized color photograph.
- For Special Pass: Cover letter from the local company explaining the temporary assignment, and a copy of the firm's BRS registration certificate.
- For Student Pass: Formal admission letter from the school/university, and a commitment letter from the sponsor paying the fees.
- For Dependant's Pass: Certified Birth Certificate (for children) or Marriage Certificate (for a spouse), alongside a copy of the primary sponsor's active work permit or ID.
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Student / Research Pass Processing Fee (Per Year) | Ksh 5,000 |
| Special Pass Processing Surcharge (Standard 3-Month Limit) | Ksh 15,000 |
| Dependant's Pass Processing Surcharge (One-Time Issue Fee) | Ksh 5,000 |
| eCitizen Portal Convenience Charge (Per Transaction submission) | Ksh 50 |
Questions
Can a holder of a Dependant's Pass legally work or run a business in Kenya?
No. A Dependant's Pass explicitly forbids any form of employment or commercial trading. If a spouse wishes to take up a job or set up a business, they must formally apply for a standard independent Work Permit (Class D or Class G) through their own eCitizen profile.
Can a Special Pass be extended if a project takes longer than expected?
A Special Pass is issued for a strict maximum of 3 months. If a project runs over, you can apply for a single 3-month renewal through the portal for an extra Ksh 15,050. However, the system will block any stay beyond 6 months; you must transition to a full Class D Work Permit if the assignment requires a longer stay.